Travel Guide to Tanzania & Zanzibar

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Planning a journey to Tanzania and Zanzibar is an exciting adventure. This guide provides helpful information about travel requirements, local culture, climate and practical tips to help you prepare for your trip.

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond travel date
• Tourist visa required for most travellers
• Visa available online (e-visa) or on arrival. 

               Please visit; https://visa.immigration.go.tz

• Visitors may need proof of return or onward travel
• Zanzibar also requires you to purchase mandatory health insurance. This can be purchased on arrival or beforehand online. 

               Please visit; https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/insurance

• Consult a doctor before travel
• Recommended vaccinations may include Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus

Yellow Fever:

Required only if travelling from a country where yellow fever is present.

Malaria:

Tanzania is a malaria region, so travellers should consider anti-malarial medication and use mosquito protection.

More information can be found on the World Health Organization travel health page:

https://www.who.int/travel-advice

Tanzania

June – October

Dry season and excellent wildlife viewing.

January – March

Great Migration calving season in the Serengeti.

March – May

Rainy season with lush landscapes and fewer tourists.

November – December

Short rains but still good travel conditions.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a year-round destination, but the best weather is usually:

June – October 

Dry season, cooler weather.

November – February

Hot and sunny

March to May

Rainy season, although travel is still possible.

Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

However:

• US dollars are accepted
• Credit cards accepted in larger hotels and lodges
• Cash is recommended in smaller towns
• Cash can be exchanged in money exchange bureaus
• ATMs are available 

• Tanzania uses Type G plugs (UK style)
• Wi-Fi available in most hotels and lodges
• Mobile signal can be limited in national parks
• In Zanzibar occasional power outages can occur, but most hotels use generators

Tanzania is home to over 120 ethnic groups with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly in towns and villages and respect local traditions, particularly in Zanzibar which has a strong Swahili and Islamic cultural influence.

Swahili and English are widely spoken. 

Some useful phrases are: 

• “Jambo” (hello) 
•  “Asante” (thank you)

Tanzanian cuisine combines African, Indian and Arabic influences. Meals on safari are usually served at lodges and include fresh local ingredients, grilled meats, rice, vegetables and tropical fruits. Coastal areas such as Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam are known for fresh seafood. More tourist locations offer more international cuisine, catering for vegetarians. Most places accommodate dietary requirements if informed in advance.

Tipping is common in Tanzania for safari guides, drivers and lodge staff. While optional, it is appreciated for good service.

A general guideline is $20-30 per day for your safari guide per vehicle.

Tanzania and Zanzibar are generally safe destinations for travellers, especially in established tourism areas. As in any destination, visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and follow advice from guides and accommodation staff.